You may have already heard of Flavio al Velavevodetto because the restaurant is regarded as one of the best in Rome. Food writers visiting the city often stop here when they visit the city and I come across it fairly often in travel and food articles about the city. But because it’s on a quiet street on the edge of Testaccio, it keeps its local flair!

Flavio al Velavevodetto excels at classic Roman cuisine and I am more than happy to traverse the city to eat my favorite cacio e pepe in the inner courtyard of the establishment. My meat-eating friends tell me the polpette al sugo and polpette di bollito are standout dishes (meatballs in tomato sauce and fried meatballs) but I always opt for one of the vegetarian pastas. There is a great selection of wines, which you pick directly from the wine shelves rather than ordering off a menu or you can always order house wine. End your meal with one of Rome’s best tiramisu and you’ll understand why I love this restaurant so much!

Flavio al Velavodetto is unique because it is built into Monte Testaccio, a hill built from broken Roman amphorae (ancient terracotta pots used as containers). You can see the remains of these containers peeking behind a glass wall on the interior of the restaurant, or you can choose to sit on the upstairs terrace if the weather is nice.